The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray, but he will face competition from incumbent starter J.J. McCarthy for the QB1 position during training camp.
Key points
Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray will compete for the QB1 job
J.J. McCarthy is the incumbent starter
Legitimate competition expected at training camp
Minnesota VikingsKyler MurrayJ.J. McCarthy
Tom Pelissero Confirms Vikingsā Big Cliffhanger
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings signed quarterback Kyler Murray in March, but he will not be handed the QB1 job without a battle, according to NFL.com and Tom Pelissero.
Murray has the resume. McCarthy still has his opening.
The incumbent starter, J.J. McCarthy, has a puncherās chance to keep his job, and folks should fully expect a legitimate competition at training camp.
Minnesotaās QB Competition Now Has National Confirmation
Get the popcorn ready because itās a quarterback mano a mano.
J.J. McCarthy and Michael Jurgens practice snaps during pregame warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings QB battle
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy and center Michael Jurgens work through pregame warmups before a preseason matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Aug. 10, 2024. The quarterback-center pairing focused on timing, communication, and exchange mechanics as Minnesota prepared for its exhibition opener with teammates rotating through drills nearby. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.
Q&A
What is the current quarterback situation for the Minnesota Vikings?
The Vikings have signed Kyler Murray, who will compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback position.
Who is J.J. McCarthy and what is his role with the Vikings?
J.J. McCarthy is the incumbent starter for the Vikings and will compete to retain his QB1 position against Kyler Murray.
When will the quarterback competition for the Vikings take place?
The competition for the starting quarterback position will take place during training camp.
What are Kyler Murray's credentials as a quarterback?
Kyler Murray has an impressive resume, which contributed to the Vikings signing him as a potential starting quarterback.
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NFL.com: Itās a QB Battle in MIN
Training camp will have suspense. NFL.comās Grant Gordon wrote Sunday, āIf it was assumed that Kyler Murray was going to be handed the Minnesota Vikingsā starting quarterback reins following two ill-fated years for J.J. McCarthy, that wonāt be the case. Minnesota will host a good, old fashioned quarterback battle between McCarthy and Murray this offseason, according to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero.ā
āMcCarthyās struggled in his two years in the NFL since the Vikings chose him 10th overall in an already celebrated 2024 NFL Draft. Some of his struggles have been self-inflicted (12 interceptions in 10 games), while others have been the result of injuries, as he missed all of his rookie campaign with a knee injury and dealt with multiple injuries in his sophomore season.ā
Pelissero personally said, āThey envision it being a true competition: Kyler Murray versus J.J. McCarthy. And both these guys are going to go into this believing theyāre gonna win this job.ā
āI donāt know, frankly, how friendly that quarterback room is going to be. Itās going to be a very competitive quarterback room. From everything that Iāve understood, it is truly wide open; theyāre keeping an open mind as a coaching staff.ā
The Case for Murray
It should not be a hot take to announce this: Murray is a better quarterback than McCarthy. Heās faster, more accurate, has a stronger arm, and has more experience. The Cardinals merely soured on him because he was in the QB1 chair for seven seasons, and Arizona failed to win a playoff game.
McCarthy is taller than Murray by about five inches, and that matters, but other than height, Murray has McCarthy beat in almost every talent-related category.
Kyler Murray tosses a pass during a road game against the Rams at SoFi Stadium. Vikings QB battle
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray throws a pass during second-quarter action against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Oct. 3, 2021. Murray directed Arizonaās offense throughout the NFC West divisional matchup, showcasing the mobility, arm talent, and playmaking ability that helped establish him among the NFLās most dynamic young quarterbacks. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.
There are also the numbers. Across 17 starts, on average, Murray produces about 4,000 passing yards, 30 total touchdowns, and roughly 600 rushing yards. Heās basically Lamar Jackson on a bad team without the marketing.
Murray will also have a chip on his shoulder later this summer; getting kicked out of Arizona is rather embarrassing, all things considered.
The Case for McCarthy
The Vikings drafted McCarthy in 2024 to unabashedly be the quarterback of the future. Hell, the franchise said āno thanksā last offseason to Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Aaron Rodgers in favor of McCarthy.
McCarthy also showed flashes of brilliance in 2025, his first season as a starter. He made throws that many cannot make, and his attitude in the Vikingsā locker room was infectious. McCarthy knows how to lead and has the drive to become a franchise quarterback.
The third-year pro also has youth on his side. Heās 23. Murray will turn 29 this summer. Per the original plan, it would probably be ābetterā if McCarthy just showed up to training camp, suddenly showcasing improved mechanics, maturity, and moxie.
NBCSportsā Mike Florio on the battle: āFor McCarthy to win it, heāll need to step up. Ball out. Outplay the first overall pick in the 2019 draft. The player who was named offensive rookie of the year before making it to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2021.ā
āEven if McCarthy wins the job, heāll need to hold it. That means staying healthy. He has missed all of his rookie year due to a preseason knee injury. In 2025, he missed seven games. A ātrue competitionā will help both get ready to play. Chances are they both will.ā
Prediction
Thereās a world where McCarthy takes July and August by storm; fans would love it. It would also align with historical timelines ā quarterbacks taking the next step in Year No. 3.
Kyler Murray runs with the football during a preseason game against the Raiders in Arizona. Vikings QB battle
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray runs with the football during a preseason game against the Oakland Raiders at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Aug. 15, 2019. Murray entered the NFL with massive expectations as the No. 1 overall pick, immediately displaying the speed, athleticism, and improvisational skills that defined his game at Oklahoma. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports.
However, this battle is probably Murrayās to lose. Some have compared Murrayās arrival in Minnesota to the aforementioned Darnoldās two years ago or Baker Mayfieldās in Tampa Bay three years ago. Itās an understandable analogy, but Murray has played consistently well since 2019. Darnold and Mayfield were deemed busts before their career reclamations.
McCarthy has a shot, but Murray will likely win this thing. Itās important to note that Murray is susceptible to injury ā heās missed 26% of all career starts ā so McCarthy might get a chance to strut his stuff sometime in 2026 if history repeats.
